Carnival band Blow Mano Blow to launch in tribute to iconic bandleader

Just in time for Carnival 2019, Trinidad and Tobago and the wider world can look forward to welcoming one of the festival’s newest masquerades to enter the circuit.

Titled Blow Mano, Blow, the Carnival Monday tee-shirt mas will be launched on Friday, September 21 at Club Fuzion, Cascadia Hotel, St. Ann’s.

Promising pure fun, nostalgia and excitement, Blow Mano, Blow is organised by a committee comprising members of the soca band Brass 2 The World. The team has dedicated next year’s debut presentation to the memory of legendary bandleader, Michael ‘Mano’ Marcellin.

The iconic musician, who was more popularly known as ‘Mano’, passed away last December. He was credited for pioneering the use of electronic music in 1965 on the Port of Spain parade route for Carnival. Instead of walking and playing their instruments, musicians were now amplified and driven along the route.

According to Burt Marcellin, Mano’s son and committee chair, Brass 2 The World’s main objective has always been to bring live brass music back “on the road”. Since its inception two years ago, the soca band has been making successful strides, having won Best Playing Band for Carnival 2017.

“Apart from bringing back brass, we wanted to pay tribute to Mano through the mas, for his innovativeness and love of the culture. Not only was he an excellent leader, but he was a family man who was well-respected by his bandmates and by the community of St. Joseph where he lived,” said the younger Marcellin.

Among the musicians who performed with Mano back in his heyday were the legendary Frankie Francis and Winston Scarborough a.k.a. The Original De Fosto Himself. Under Mano’s leadership, which spanned the 50’s straight through to the early 80’s, the Orchestra won several Brassorama competitions and maintained year-round weekly performances at top venues throughout the country.

When Blow Mano, Blow launches on September 21, guests can expect to get a taste of what is in store for masqueraders of all ages, come Carnival Monday 2019. Live brass will be provided exclusively by Brass 2 The World, along with a showcase of 2019 soca recordings performed by leading artistes, in partnership with Kaiso Dredz Productionz.

“We plan to offer our masqueraders a pleasant alternative by creating a most memorable experience for them on the road next year,” said Marcellin Jr. “Our main drawing card is Brass 2 The World’s scintillating brass and its wide and varied repertoire. Along with a few other surprises, we hope to attract lots of vibrant, fun-loving people who appreciate quality!”

The launch of Blow Mano Blow – The Mas takes place at Club Fuzion, Cascadia Hotel, St. Ann’s on Friday, September 21. Party time is from 6.00PM to midnight.

For invitations and more information, check out Facebook page, Blow Mano Blow Mas, or call 286-6819.

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